Major Exploration Conference

Prep for the conference by completing your required BUS 106 Assignment. Consult your class Canvas page or advisor for details. Review the Dress Code and Conduct Reminders to prepare as well.

Attending the ME Conference at the Farmer School of Business (FSB) is a great opportunity to learn and network simultaneously while also understanding how the elements of wardrobe and conduct apply. 

The ME Conference requires a Business Casual dress code for attendance. Because FSB has a reputation for high professional standards, "business casual" leans slightly more formal than at other divisions/ events on campus.

The goal is to look polished enough to speak with an executive guest speaker, but comfortable enough to sit through several presentations in Taylor Auditorium or the FSB classrooms.

Business Casual Guidelines for FSB

Option 1: Slacks, Button-Downs, & Blazers

• Tops: A crisp, collared button-down shirt (solid colors, light stripes, or subtle patterns) or a high-quality polo/golf shirt.
• Bottoms: Khakis, chinos, or dress slacks in neutral colors (navy, grey, tan, black).
• Layers: A blazer or sport coat is excellent for a conference setting. Alternatively, a nice quarter-zip sweater or crewneck sweater over a collared shirt works perfectly.
• Shoes: Leather dress shoes (oxfords, derbies) or clean loafers. Rule of thumb: Match the color of your belt to the color of your shoes.

Option 2: Blouses, Dresses, & Tailored Pants

• Tops: Professional blouses, high-quality knit tops, flowy button-downs, or smart cardigans/sweater vests.
• Bottoms: Tailored dress pants, slacks, or a knee-length pencil/A-line skirt.
• Dresses: A professional knee-length dress (wrap dresses or sheath dresses work beautifully). Ensure the neckline and fit are appropriate for a corporate setting.
• Layers: A structured blazer is the easiest way to instantly elevate a business casual look.
• Shoes: Pointed or rounded flats, professional loafers, or low block heels.

What to Avoid (The "Not Allowed" List)

Even though it says "casual," the following items do not belong at an FSB professional conference:

• No Jeans: (Unless explicitly stated by the conference organizers as "Smart Casual" or for a specific casual networking night—otherwise, stick to slacks).
• No Athletic Wear: Hoodies, sweatpants, joggers, t-shirts, yoga pants, or sneakers.
• No Casual Footwear: Flip-flops, sandals, slides, or heavily worn/dirty shoes.
• No Distracting Clothing: Clothing that is overly tight, short, or features large, loud graphic branding.

Pro-Tips for an FSB Campus Conference

The FSB Climate Control Factor: The Farmer School of Business building is notorious for having unpredictable, often freezing air conditioning in the auditoriums and breakout rooms. Always bring a layer (a blazer, cardigan, or quarter-zip) so you aren't shivering during a keynote speech. And, you can take it off if you do get warm.

• Comfortable Footwear is Key: You will be walking between the Forsythe Commons, classrooms, and potentially uphill across campus between classes/ the conference. If you wear heels or brand-new dress shoes, make sure they are comfortable for a busy day.
• The "One Step Up" Rule: If you are unsure whether an outfit is too casual, always dress one step up. It is much better to be the sharpest-dressed student in the room than to feel underdressed in front of alumni and corporate sponsors.
• Ironing Matters: Even the most expensive outfit will look sloppy if it's wrinkled from being thrown on a dorm room chair. Take five minutes to iron or steam (or hang up) your clothes the night before.

Don’t forget to take notes! Note sheets will be available in each session for your use. Remember, your notes should be handwritten so device use doesn’t become distracting to the panelists/ others in attendance.

Active Listening and Body Language

• DO sit up and lean in: Physically show the panelists you are engaged.
• DO nod and make eye contact: Acknowledge their points with subtle physical cues.
• DO use a paper notebook/ provided note pages: Laptops/tablets are prohibited, as they look like a distraction to the speakers. Take handwritten notes for submission as well as your own reference.
• DON'T slouch or fidget: Slouching in your seat signals boredom or fatigue.

Engaging in Q and A

• DO introduce yourself: State your name and major before asking your question.
• DO reference the discussion: Tie your question directly to something they said.
• Good Example: "You mentioned X earlier. How do you see that impacting entry-level roles?"
• DON'T ask 'Googleable' questions: Avoid basics like "Where is your company located?" Reference this article to assist with question ideation! Keep your questions concise, even if open-ended, for this conference.
• DON'T pitch your resume: Keep the focus on their expertise, not your personal job search.
• DON'T monopolize the mic: Ask one concise question so others get a turn.

General Etiquette

• DO fill the front rows: Avoid leaving an awkward empty buffer zone near the front of the room..
• DO send a 24-hour LinkedIn follow-up: Remind them of who you are and mention a specific takeaway. Use our FSB templates as a resource!
• DON'T look at your phone: The screen glow is incredibly obvious and disrespectful from the front of the room.
• DON'T pack up early: Wait until the moderator officially closes the session and applause ends before zipping your bag.

Following your last session attendance, don’t forget to gather your notes and submit them appropriately to Canvas for completion of your BUS 106 ME Conference assignment. Consult your class Canvas page or advisor for details.